JO&JOE

Asia Pacific’s first JO&JOE has landed in Tāmaki Makaurau—bringing bold design, rooftop vibes and hybrid hospitality right in downtown Auckland. From Ennismore and Accor, the JO&JOE hospitality concept is a new and fun way of collective living, redefining the boundaries between hostel and hotel.

With its signature ‘open house’ concept as the local hangout hub for travellers and locals, including a rooftop bar for swapping travel tales over a drink and a snack, JO&JOE is about embracing the spirit of friendliness and openness. 

With bold interiors and playful communal spaces, guests can self check-in at the 40-seat lobby bar. The new hotel-hostel has 293 beds across 75 rooms, from shared dormitories to private rooms with ensuite bathrooms—all decked out with colourful artworks and designs. From there, guests can spend their time at the laid-back snack and chill corner or head on up to the 50-seat rooftop bar and restaurant looking out over the city and water. 

The restaurant offers house-made pizzas but this isn’t your average pizza selection. The only pineapple number you’ll see is on their hāngī-style pork number, with caramelised pineapple and gochujang butter. Pepperoni and blue cheese lovers can get the best of both worlds with Pepe Blu, along with confit garlic and heirloom tomatoes. Vegetarians also have the pick of a classic margherita or mushroom dressed with gorgonzola and white truffle oil. Plus, the price range is pretty hard to believe, with prices starting ranging from $15-$18.

For those after something lighter, opt for their salad range ($15 each, plus an extra $6 for grilled tiger prawns add-on) with charred sweetcorn and avo, or an energy salad with shredded carrot, beets, walnuts, and a minty pomegranate dressing. Other food options include a pistachio pesto burrata ($12), and chunky cut loaded agria fries (from vegetarian chorizo, or even spicy buffalo chicken to name a few—all at $15 each).

Don’t skip on a sweet treat, with their classic tiramisu ($12) or if you’re just after a small sweet treat, ask about their daily ice cream or popsicle flavours ($5 each). 

Soak in the city views with a range of cocktails ($18 each, or a Batched number on tap for $10—we’re eyeing up their Pineapple and Chilli Margarita). They also have a range of mocktails (include a non-alc tequila, ask for Sun Pls), beers by the jug and budget-friendly wines ($10 rosé, anyone?). The rooftop bar also has regular DJ sets and live music, making this an ideal spot to catch golden hour with a summer sip in hand.

Images: Supplied | JO & JOE